As soon as excerpts from the interview made their way online,a controversy exploded involving fans and rape victims' advocacy organizations.

"I really made an enormous mistake - clearly and obviously," Stewart told People Magazine while out promoting "Eclipse," the new installment of the Twilight series. "And I'm really sorry about my choice of words."

"I've made stupid remarks before, and I've always reasoned: 'Whatever. They can think what they want,' " she said.

However, Stewart openly expressed dissatisfaction stemming from her choice of words. "'Violated' definitely would have been a better way of expressing the thought," she noted.

In fact, the issue of violence against women is one that has been close to Stewart since playing a victim of rape in the 2004 film "Speak." She has done public service announcements for the anti-crime nonprofit Security on Campus (SoC) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

"People thinking that I'm insensitive about this subject rips my guts out," she added. "I made a big mistake."

A spokeswoman for RAINN issued a statement Friday saying, "We appreciate Kristen Stewart's sincere apology regarding these comments. RAINN looks forward to continuing our work with Kristen to raise awareness and ensure that all victims are connected with the care they deserve through the National Sexual Assault Hotlines."